Mariam Mostokly (Class of 2019) and Bree McDonald (Class of 1995) shared their stories at this year’s third Alumni Breakfast Series on Friday 22 August, with the theme of ‘community health’.

Both women spoke of the challenges and rewards of working in their highly demanding professions. As head physiotherapist and lead trainer at Heidelberg Football and Netball Club, Mariam works closely with elite-level athletes, helping them to recover and perform at their best. Bree works in tobacco control policy with the Australian Government, and was formerly an intensive care nurse with The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne.

MC for the event, held at our Pakenham Year 9 Centre, was paediatric speech pathologist Fiona Moseley (Class of 1995), who shared insights into her career path and personal inspirations.

Audience members included students interested in health careers, as well as staff and families, who enjoyed a healthy breakfast selection and barista-coffee.

Bree described the impact of caring for patients awaiting lung transplants and how that shaped her interest in tobacco policy. Mariam described the often stressful environment that comes with treating elite athletes, but also the rewards of “seeing the fruits of your work” in their rehabilitation.

The Alumni Breakfast Series continues to build momentum and will return to Beaconhills is 2026.